Steak and Chicken Fajitas
Sizzling, smoky strips of marinated steak and chicken cooked with a colorful medley of bell peppers and onions. This Tex-Mex classic is perfect for a fun, build-your-own dinner night and comes together in under an hour.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Meats
- b.In a bowl, whisk together 45 ml (3 tbsp) of lime juice, 30 ml (2 tbsp) of avocado oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- c.Place the sliced steak and chicken in two separate resealable bags or shallow dishes.
- d.Pour half of the marinade over the steak and the other half over the chicken. Toss to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- e.Seal or cover and let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours (no longer for the steak, as the lime juice can affect its texture).
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Steak
- b.Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) of avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- c.Carefully add the steak in a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary).
- d.Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms. The steak should be medium-rare.
- e.Remove the steak from the skillet, transfer to a cutting board, and let it rest.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Chicken
- b.Reduce heat to medium-high and add another 15 ml (1 tbsp) of oil to the same skillet.
- c.Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F or 74°C).
- d.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside with the steak.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Sauté the Vegetables
- b.Add the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) of oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- c.Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp with some charred spots.
- d.Use your spatula to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Return the cooked steak and chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- c.Squeeze the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) of lime juice over the entire mixture and toss everything together.
- d.Cook for 1-2 minutes more, just until everything is heated through.
- e.Serve immediately on a sizzling platter with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best sear, ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the meat. A cast-iron skillet is highly recommended for its heat retention.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches ensures the meat and vegetables sear and char rather than steam.
- 3Always slice flank or skirt steak against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat much more tender to eat.
- 4Prep all your ingredients (slicing meats and veggies) before you start cooking, as the cooking process is very fast.
- 5To warm tortillas, wrap a stack in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds, or heat them one by one in a dry skillet for 15-20 seconds per side.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the steak and chicken with 1 lb of sliced portobello mushrooms or extra-firm tofu. Marinate and cook using the same method.
SpicySpicy
Add one or two sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the skillet along with the bell peppers for a significant heat boost.
SeafoodSeafood
Substitute the meats with 1 lb of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Marinate for only 15-20 minutes and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Low CarbLow-Carb
Serve the fajita mixture in crisp lettuce cups or over a bed of cauliflower rice instead of tortillas for a keto-friendly meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Both chicken breast and flank steak are packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
The colorful bell peppers are loaded with Vitamin C, an important antioxidant that boosts the immune system. Onions provide beneficial compounds like quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Boosts Iron Levels
Steak is a fantastic source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plants. Iron is crucial for carrying oxygen in the blood and preventing fatigue.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two fajitas, without toppings, contains approximately 720-780 calories. The final count will vary based on the size of your tortillas and the amount of oil used.